Filix, check to see if it is an incandescent bulb or not. If it is an incandescent you will likely end up disappointed. These aren't really grow lights even though the packaging/advertising makes it seem as though they are. The spectrum isn't particularly useful to plants. If it's a different type of bulb (compact florescent for example), it may work fine if fairly close to the plants. I am not familiar with the product but unfortunately have seen enough spot "grow" fixtures to know they are pretty close to always incandescent bulbs.

i would NOT mess with putting them close to a window ... in my MI ... its too cold by the windows .. at night .. and seedlings like it very toasty.. i am talking media temps ... cold damp media.. can be a problem .... the very biggest key .... is timing them out from last frost date ... and for my ann arborish MI ... if i started them.. say before 3/1 ... they were so leggy as to be near useless .. by the time i could get them out in late may ... common shop lamps is all you need.. maybe a heating pad in the basement ... and i ran them at night for the little heat generated.. when the furnace kicked down ... enclosing them in some plastic ... the plastic being a dollar store paint tarp .... in no manner.. can i see heating a stand alone structure as being more cost effective ... ken common 4 foot fluorescent lights ... with common shop bulbs.. never more than 2 inches from the plants ... 4 bulbs better than two ... and some hardware chain to make the lights adjustable ... the whole light set up.. should run no more than 40 bucks ...

ok let me answer that: 1. heat mats: seed heat mats under trays help the warm crop seeds to germinate. For Example: Peppers, Tomatoes, melons, ect. Heat mats are expensive (IMHO) and you can find a warm place (maybe) to let the seeds germinate then once they do you could move them under the lights. Heats mats can be fussy. Tomatoes can get leggy from the heat after they germinate. Also If you do Buy a heat mat Make sure you have a temp. controller or that its was designed to use for plants. I have fried many a seedling! 2. power strips: they allow you to make a drip loop ( A coil in the electrical cord to let any moisture not get to the power source) and are just easier than tripping over all those wires. Make a drip loop in all equipment cables, to prevent water dripping into socket. That is done by forming a small loop in the cable around 15-20 cm below weight of socket- allows gravity to keep water away from outlets. you can google up some images of this technique if you want to. 3. Fan: Plants like air circulation to prevent damping off (fungal infections)and helps them grow up stronger stemmed. 4.gfi outlet: Use only GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) sockets or extension cords with GFI protection. These devices sense when you are drawing current to ground and immediately shut off the electricity. Many homes have these installed in the kitchen or bathroom. Some homes have them installed in the main circuit box to protect the entire home, however it is much safer to have the GFI socket where your aquarium equipment will be plugged in. They are not expensive, easily installed and found readily available at the local hardware store. GFI devices that plug into your conventional socket are also available for those who don't feel handy. Cheap insurance.

I am also a newbie, but have been having great success with my grow lights. Although people have been having problems with them, as indicated in the walmart light post, I purchased my grow lights at Walmart and have had no problems. Purchase a 48" flourescent light fixture for about $7. Then two plant/aquarium lights (48") for $5 each. I bought a folding "card" table for about $25, but any table will do. Be sure to start your seeds or bulbs (peat pots work great as they go right in the ground) on a plastic tray, wrap plastic wrap over top and secure with scotch tape. Set these trays on top of the fridge (nice and warm). Check often to see if seedlings have started to sprout. Transfer sprouted pots to an empty tray and place under grow light set up. As seedlings grow larger, adjust light farther away...I know you are probably past all this, and just need help with the light situation, but I thought I had it down to a system pretty good! Anyhow, very important to get (plant /aquarium) lights!